A regular yoga regimen can increase lung capacity if proper breathing techniques are practiced. Yoga breathing helps lung tissue become more elastic and the lung muscles become more flexible. Yoga can help you become more aware of your daily breathing techniques. However, if you frequently feel out of breath, consult a doctor -- you may have an underlying condition.
Pranayama
Pranayama is the practice of controlling your breath and connecting it to your movements during yoga. Pranayama techniques vary by class and instructor; your teacher will generally tell you when to inhale and exhale during a pose. During most yoga classes, you breathe in and out through your nose, although a forceful exhale through the mouth is sometimes also used.
Ujjayi
One type of pranayama is ujjayi breathing, which is supposed to be both energizing and relaxing. To perform ujjayi properly, the throat should be relaxed and open, and you should be able to hear yourself inhaling as well as exhaling. A challenging yoga practice, such as "power yoga," may interrupt your breathing patterns; if you really want to concentrate on deepening your breath, try a slower-paced yoga practice to begin with.
Meditation
Although yoga can make you more mindful of your breathing while you're doing it, you may not notice a difference in your overall lung function immediately. Meditation is a way to bridge the gap between the deep breathing of a yoga class and your everyday activities. A few minutes of meditation with deep breathing each day can help your lungs transition into a regular state of deeper breathing in general.
Benefits
The deeper you can breathe, the more air you let into your lungs, which helps you feel alert and focused. Lung capacity decreases naturally with age, but yoga -- as well as other types of exercise and avoiding smoking -- can help you maintain healthy lung function. When your lungs are in good shape, it's easier to do simple daily activities, such as climbing a flight of stairs, without feeling tired or out of breath.
